Jim Schwartz’s return to the Cleveland Browns remains uncertain, but one of the top landing spots he was linked to is now off the table.
Cleveland passed over Schwartz in its head coaching search, opting instead for Todd Monken. That decision reportedly didn’t sit well with Schwartz, who stormed out of the building and told people close to him that he was done in Cleveland. The complication is that Schwartz is still under contract for next season, which makes a clean exit difficult.
Even if the Browns were willing to grant him permission to pursue another opportunity, the defensive coordinator market is shrinking quickly. Schwartz had been connected to the San Francisco 49ers’ opening following Robert Saleh’s departure to become head coach of the Tennessee Titans, but the 49ers have since hired Raheem Morris as their next defensive coordinator — removing a major option from the board.
That development could ultimately benefit the Browns, who would prefer to mend fences with Schwartz and keep him in charge of an elite defense.
“The 49ers have hired Raheem Morris as defensive coordinator. That is significant because Jim Schwartz was linked to the job when he didn’t get the Browns head coaching job. Todd Monken did. Chances of Schwartz returning as D.C. just got better,” Jeff Schudel of the News-Herald wrote on X.
Browns Star Denzel Ward Hoping for Schwartz Return
Keeping Schwartz should be a significant goal for Monken, who was hired for his offensive prowess. While the Browns finished 5-12, the defense was a bright spot. Cleveland finished last season ranked No. 4 in the NFL in yards allowed per game (283.6).
Schwartz’s return would also be a morale boost for key players, like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward.
“I’m not sure what was true or was not true, so I’m not going to speculate,” Ward told cleveland.com. “I’m just going to wait to see how everything plays out and look forward to, hopefully we’re still keeping him. I’ve got a lot of respect for Coach Schwartz, and he’s an amazing coach, and I’m hoping he stays on the team.”
Ward was one of the Browns players who came out in support of Schwartz at the end of the season, backing him for a head coaching gig. Schwartz interviewed with the Browns and Ravens for their openings.
“I have so much love and respect for coach Schwartz,” Ward said. “I would highly recommend coach Schwartz for a head coaching job here, definitely. … He’s helped my game tremendously, puts us in great position, great leader. I can’t say enough great things about him, but I think he’s a guy who you want in a coach and somebody to lead a team.”
Denzel Ward Excited About Browns’ Todd Monken Hire
Ward’s strong words about Schwartz are not meant to suggest he’s disappointed with the hiring of Monken. He sees the upside of having a head coach focused on sparking what has been a very disappointing offensive unit in Cleveland. The Browns managed just 262.1 yards and 16.4 points per game last season.
“I’ve seen some stats on how he’s helped Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry,” Ward said during an appearance on ESPN over the weekend. “They’ve had some of their best seasons under Todd Monken. I’m just looking forward to us having an amazing offense.
“We kinda struggled on that end of the field when we were out there during the season,” Ward said. “But I’m just looking forward to playing better, and all of us playing better together — and looking forward to him being our new head coach.”
Ward and Shedeur Sanders are at the Pro Bowl representing the Browns.
Browns Get Positive News on Jim Schwartz After Blowup